Snack time gets a serious upgrade with these beef and cheese empanadas. Imagine savory, well-seasoned ground beef simmered to perfection, paired with gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in buttery pastry pockets baked until golden and flaky. Every bite brings a satisfying mix of textures, from the crisp crust to the creamy, cheesy center and flavorful beef filling. They’re the kind of handheld comfort food that disappears fast, perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or even meal prep.
What makes these empanadas so hard to resist is how versatile they are. You can keep them classic or add your personal twist with extra spices, different cheeses, or a little heat from jalapeños. Want them spicier? A dash of chili flakes or hot sauce in the filling does the trick. Need them extra cheesy? Swap in pepper jack or add cream cheese for a creamier bite. No matter how you customize them, these empanadas deliver bold flavor every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes these beef and cheese empanadas so good is the perfect mix of savory, cheesy, and crispy textures:
Flavor-packed ground beef: Cooked with onions, garlic, and warm spices for a rich, hearty filling.
Melty cheese center: Cheddar and mozzarella come together for a creamy, gooey bite.
Golden flaky crust: Buttery empanada dough bakes perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside.
Easy to customize: Swap cheeses, add jalapeños, mix in salsa, or spice it up with chipotle powder.
Make-ahead friendly: Freeze unbaked empanadas and bake them fresh whenever you want.
Feel like making them extra special? Brush the tops with garlic butter right after baking for a glossy, flavorful finish. Or sprinkle on a little smoked paprika before baking for a subtle smoky kick.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembling the Empanadas:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 packs empanada dough discs (or homemade dough)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Toppings & Dips:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Mix in tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Fill the Empanadas
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanada dough discs on a flat surface. Add 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling to one side of each disc, then sprinkle generously with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over, press the edges to seal, and crimp with a fork for a neat finish.
3. Bake Until Golden
Arrange empanadas on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the crust turns crisp and lightly browned.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Let the empanadas rest for 2 minutes before serving. Pair with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping and enjoy them while they’re warm and cheesy.
Beef & Cheese Empanadas
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembling the Empanadas:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 packs empanada dough discs or homemade dough
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Toppings & Dips:
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Sour cream salsa, or guacamole
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with onions, garlic, and spices.
- Stir in tomato paste and broth, simmer until thickened.
- Fill empanada discs with beef and cheese, fold and seal.
- Brush with egg wash and bake until golden.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the beef.
- Cheesy upgrade: Use cream cheese for extra creaminess or pepper jack for heat.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 12 to 14 minutes for an extra-crispy crust.
- Make-ahead friendly: Freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray, then store them in a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3 to 4 extra minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these empanadas with a side of guacamole, salsa, or creamy queso dip. For a bigger spread, pair them with a fresh corn salad or black beans and rice. They also work great as party appetizers or part of a game-day platter.
Final Thoughts
Beef and cheese empanadas combine everything you love in a handheld snack: flaky crust, melty cheese, and perfectly seasoned beef. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and always crowd-pleasing, making them a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
